Betterton

Betterton, THOMAS, actor, was born in London about 1635, and, after serving as a bookseller's apprentice, turned actor some three years before the Restoration, and in 1661 joined Davenant's theatrical company. The best contemporary judges, such as Addison, Cibber, Dryden, &c., bear admiring witness to his dramatic powers, which overcame the natural disadvantages of a low voice, small eyes, and an ungainly figure. Pepys thought him the best actor in the world, and he was patronised by royalty. His private character was highly estimable, cheerful, modest, and generous. In an unfortunate speculation in 1692 Betterton lost all his savings. When in straitened circumstances and able to act less frequently, a public benefit was got up for him on the 6th April 1709, and he acted several times again before his death on 28th April 1710. He was buried in Westminster Abbey. Mrs Betterton, whom he had married in 1662, took the same rank among contemporary actresses as her husband did among actors. Betterton's own eight dramas were adaptations. See Dr Doran, Their Majesties' Servants (2d ed. by R. W. Lowe, 1887); and the Life by R. W. Lowe (1891).